Corporate Counsel Spring Institute- Hot Topics

11th Annual Corporate Counsel Spring Institute 

Friday, March 7th, 2025 

8:30am-1:00pm 

APEX Conference Room, City Center, Minneapolis 

8:30am-9:30am 

Employment Immigration Under the 2nd Trump Administration 

Early Executive Orders and Other Changes that Impact Employment Immigration  

Vetting and Potential Visa and Admission Bans under INA 212(f) 

Potential Impact of Listing Criminal Gangs as Terrorists - How "Material Support" Provisions of the INA 212(a)(3) Could Expand Inadmissibility in Unexpected Ways 

Order on Interpretation of Birthright Citizenship - How this change in interpretation might impact all US Citizens including Employers in the Hiring Process 

Enforcement - Update  

Based on the 1st Trump Administration What Trends In Adjudication of Employment Based Immigration Can Be Expected 

Presenter:  

George Maxwell, Borene Law Firm, P.A. 

9:35am-10:35am 

Mastering PR Strategies: A Guide for Corporate Counsel 

This session will cover key PR strategies, crisis communications, media relations, and how corporate counsel can work alongside PR teams to protect and promote their organization’s reputation. Attendees will gain practical advice on handling sensitive issues, legal considerations in PR campaigns, and maintaining brand integrity. Perfect for corporate counsel looking to navigate the intersection of law and public relations. 

Presenter:  

Stacy Bettison, Bettison 

10:45am-11:45am 

Beyond Backlash: Sustainable DEI Strategies in a Shifting Legal Landscape 

This is is a timely CLE that explores how companies can develop and maintain effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives amidst evolving legal and regulatory challenges. This session will focus on building long-term, legally compliant DEI programs that go beyond short-term trends and address complex issues such as potential litigation risks, changing laws, and best practices for fostering inclusive cultures. Participants will learn practical strategies to ensure DEI efforts remain sustainable, impactful, and legally sound, even in an increasingly dynamic environment. 

Presenter:  

Jenny Gassman-Pines, Greene-Espel 

12:00pm-1:00pm 

General Counsel Panel 

The General Counsel roundtable will be a discussion of how each panelist made his/her way to the GC position, specific challenges and rewarding aspects of the GC role, what they expect from the lawyers in their departments, and how they utilize technology to assist with running their department, as well as discussions of what they consider to be their top challenges for 2025. 

Panelists:  

Patrick Bottini, Link Snacks Inc.  

Nancy Evert, Health Partners 

Joe Humke, Graco 

Sarah Kolar, Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions